Secrets at Spawning Run

by Sally Roseveare

Returning to Virginia for her mother's funeral, videographer Aurora Harris becomes entangled in a web of deceit, theft and murder at her Smith Mountain Lake childhood home. Who has been in the house? Why is a necklace twisted around a water bird's neck and leg? Why is a fishing boat entering the boathouse at night? Who tried to ram Aurora's boat? Who is the dead body Aurora and her dog King find floating in the lake? And where is her husband Sam? Aurora unlocks the secrets at Spawning Run and discovers terrifying truths.

262 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jenna Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! I loved it.

[Skylar Burris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally, a story in which a woman thinks she hears shots next door and goes to get a gun, instead of walking around timidly with a baseball bat!

Secrets at Spawning Run is a mystery-thriller that centers around Aurora Harris, whose father's recent death has been ruled an accident (or possibly a suicide). When she enters her Smith Mountain Lake childhood home to find the books askew, her suspicions are raised, but she soon puts the incident behind her. Then her dog discovers a water bird entangled by a diamond necklace, and the real intrigue begins.

Our heroine does not so much piece clues together as get lucky, so the book is not a mystery in the traditional style, but we are still left to guess at the nature of the involvement of individual characters. The story is at times quite predictable--the good guys are predictably good, the bad guys predictably bad--but the well-woven web of relationships between the many characters is a surprise. The dialogue at times feels slightly unnatural (almost businesslike), but it manages to carry the plot along.

[Kimberly Dalferes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets at Spawning Run offers the reader the opportunity to sink into its lake setting and enjoy the unfolding of an excellent whodunit. Roseveare weaves a delightful story, filled with witty dialogue and colorful characters as it pulls you into the narrative and vernacular of Southern Virginia. I found myself wanting to reach out and hug my own lab mix Taz as I read the author’s description of the protagonist’s strong attachments to her best pal King. I recommend this novel for book club members as well as anyone looking to be transported to the pace and flow of life on a lake.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite local authors. The characters are believable and interesting; the setting at Smith Mountain Lake, VA is accurate. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense, the connection of family and friends, the clean romance, and lack of profanity found so often in other books. Ms. Roseveare had me wishing I had a great dog, like King, as a companion. By the way I have met Ms. Roseveare. She is a delightful person and made me feel at ease in conversation. Pick up this book to read if you have a chance!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT little story! I love a good murder mystery. Add in a Labrador retriever, in the place one of my Labradors came from, and you have me hooked! Sally has done an outstanding job of keeping you locked in as she spins her tale (tail?) of intrigue, love, and romance. I did not have all of the 'bad guys' pegged and was surprised when the full story was revealed. This is the first in a series and I will definitely read more!